How To Kill Termites Effectively

There's no need to move to another town just because termites have started nesting in your home. There are ways and methods to learn how to kill termites as well as various companies that will do it for you. Know how to kill termites now and save your property.

Detecting Termites

Learning how to kill termites should not be the concern of homeowners with existing termite problems alone. Even if you do not have a problem yet you should also know how to kill termites. This is because termites can survive almost anywhere. If your house has wooden components in it and you have moist surroundings, then you are in danger of termite infestation.

Some cases of termite infestation may not be easily detected unless the damage has been done. It would therefore be a sensible idea to be watchful of winged termites, mud tunnels or hollowed wood that may all indicate the presence of termites.

Consulting Experts

In some cases, we may be tempted to perform the termite inspection and control ourselves. There is nothing really wrong with doing things yourself but asking experts to inspect your property and apply effective treatments is the rea5B4l answer to the question of how to kill termites. Extermination companies know better how to kill termites and stop them from coming back. Your only real task is to find a good company. You can do that by asking people you trust to recommend you one and comparing prices and services before choosing one.

Pre Treatment

Contractors know the right methods and techniques for pre treatment in order to prevent termite breeding. Before building a home, you can have your soil and wood pre treated with chemicals. You can also talk to your contractor about making sure that wooden parts and structures are safely elevated from the soil.

Baiting

The newest method of killing termites effectively is by baiting. Exterminators who use this method may use wooden monitors to first attract termites and then replace the monitors with treated ones. Treated baits contain chemicals that can be ingested by workers and taken back to the colony. Once fed to the other members, the treatment can inhibit molting and can eventually result in the death of colony members.

Chemical Barrier

Another method used by exterminators is the chemical barrier. In this method, trenches and hole may be made on the areas surrounding the foundation. The trenches can then be filled with chemicals that can prevent termites from reaching the house or returning to the soil. Non-repellent chemicals may also be used and when ingested can result in termite5AA death.

Tenting

Tenting is a complicated and aggressive answer to how to kill termites. As the name suggests, it involves enclosing the house in a tent and fumigating it. Of course, this would mean vacating the house and taking with you any edible items or medications that may be contaminated. The extermination company will usually inform you what you should remove from the house and what else you should do. Common sense also says that you should inform your neighbors about your tenting procedure so they can keep away from the area.

Discover how to kill termites effectively. For the top do it yourself termite control, trust only the advice of experts.

Picking The Best Bathroom Flooring

There are two considerations when it comes to flooring (as with many choices that you have to make in your bathroom renovation pro1C4Fject). Can we describe them as style and substance to borrow from the old aphorism. Do you want your floor to be all style and no substance, all substance and no style or a bit of an all rounder. An all rounder is the obvious response but you may have other things in the room that you want to set the style of the room, like an elaborate statue, modern vanity units or an unusual whirlpool tub. In this case you want a functional flooring that helps to show off these features. If you have no other features that you want to show off then maybe your flooring can be super stylish or have an elaborate pattern and be the main feature of the room. Of course these choices come down to your personal likes and your budget. This article will examine some considerations when picking the best bathroom flooring.

In terms of cost tiling is probably the most expensive flooring. Then comes laminates and vinyl. Some people use carpet in their bathrooms but this is generally going out of fashion as it is harder to clean and doesn't really react very well to moisture. It pays to shop around either physically or on the internet for good deals for these types of materials. Often there will be an end of line material that is going cheap so you may end up getting a cheaper tile flooring that may be a few years old than the latest vinyl patterns. If you do this however, ensure that there is enough of this material to cover your bathroom (with a few spare tiles for any mishaps during the installation).

Another consideration with bathroom flooring is who will install the flooring. Whilst it is a good learning experience to lay the bathroom flooring you probably don't want to learn this skill on a super expensive Italian ceramic tiling that costs $20 a square foot. You probably want to hire a professional or even the person that sold you the tiling to install it. If you are installing a vinyl tiling or sheeting then this is relatively inexpensive and could be a good project to get your feet wet. This all comes down to cost in the end.

Ceramic tiling looks great and is the best way to make a statement in your bathroom. This is your all style material however it has many practical qualities. It is extremely durable and will last a lifetime.

Laminate is a fairly new material in the bathroom (and homes in general). It is cheaper than tiling and can come in some impressive designs, like pine flooring or a stone effect. It is easy to install. It comes with an underlay that gives it a sense of give and dampens any noise when you walk on it.

Vinyl comes in sheets or tiles. Vinyl sheeting is probably the cheapest and easiest to install. It is a great material to use for DIY projects. This is because you can make mistakes and it won't cost too much. Vinyl is also durable but will wear out quicker than the other materials. It is also liable for fad in terms of color and pattern over time.

If you want to breathe new life into your home or are simply looking for a little inspiration then visit http://www.finehomeideas.com The site gives tips and advice for home renovation and interior design, including a review of bamboo flooring and tips for laying bathroom tiles. Adrian Whittle writes about ideas for making your home special.

Tile Shower Pan - 3 Different Types

Your tile shower pan can be of three types. If you are considering installing a new shower you should know your choices. If you have problems with your current shower leaking, knowing how the shower is put together helps you talk to a tradesman who will work on it.

Traditional Tile Shower Pans

Most likely your existing shower pan is made using traditional methods. That means the shower floor is built up with masonry or a cement mix. The concept used for this method is simple, but there are several tricks and some art involved. This method if properly done will produce ceramic showers that work great for many decades.

Very briefly the traditional pan is built as follows. First, set a special shower drain in place with the drain top at the height of the finished floor. Make sure you have a good solid sub floor topped with roofing felt. Then pour in mortar mix and slope it to the drain. The next layer is a waterproof vinyl membrane. This sheet is the waterproof barrier which is glued to the drain. Above the membrane or liner goes the top layer of masonry sloped to the drain. Then finally install the tile and grout to finish the floor.

Know that the masonry and grout in a shower floor are not waterproof. Only the vinyl liner is waterproof. If installed properly, you have a long-lasting set-up. If mistakes are made, you have a problem. Also the shower floor is not maintenance free. The joints at the floor to walls must be checked regularly and may require caulking from time to time.

Fiberglass Shower Pans

A quick and easy way to build a shower pan is to install a fiberglass pan made for this purpose. These are the pans you see at building stores. Tile cannot be installed on these pans. It's fast and relatively easy but fiberglass pans have negatives. These pans do not last as long as traditional pans. They are easily scratched and damaged. And a fiberglass shower pan does not have the luxury look and feel of a ceramic tile shower.

Tile Ready Shower Pans

There are several systems now that make installing a shower pan faster than the traditional way. All the systems use a vinyl pan with an integral drain designed for installation of ceramic tile over the top of the pan. Methods vary, but systems contain material to line the walls and make a completely waterproof shower. Some systems use a mortar base for the shower pan to sit on. Others use a special foam base.

The advantages of these systems over traditional systems is speed. No waiting for mortar layers to dry. Also the level of art and skill for the installer is less. The disadvantage is cost. Typically the tile ready showers are far more expensive than a traditional tile shower pan. The material is sometimes as expensive as the whole job cost the traditional way.

Puzzled about how to build a ceramic tile shower? Need more information? Visit our site for tile shower pan tips.

We invite you to visit http://www.installingceramictile.net for answers to your ceramic shower questions.

The Effect of Lighting on Solid Surface Material

One thing about solid surface counter tops and showers that some people do not take into consideration is the way that lighting in a room affects the appearance of the surface.

My most recent case of this is a Corian shower. The color is Cocoa Brown. There are only 2 walls and there is a shower pan. Just to the left of the shower there is a small window and it is the only outside light coming into the bathroom.

On this particular shower, the wall panels had to be polished to a high gloss. The shower pan also needed to be polished. Because of this, I decided to bring the first wall panel into the shower before making all the cuts for fitting so the homeowner could inspect and approve the polishing job on the pieces.

Before I even had the panel resting comfortably on the shower pan the homeowner said, "Those pieces don't match." Immediately I looked down and sure enough, it looked like 2 very different colors. Now, I knew that they were not two different colors but even though I knew it, for one quick second I even had to second guess the colors between the panel and the shower pan.

Immediately my helper was on the phone with the fabricator (I wasn't the fabricator, I was just helping the fabricator on this job) trying to figure out how they could have made such a mistake.

I had the piece of material that was cut out to allow for the hot/cold controls. I put it on the shower pan and it was the exact same color as the shower pan. However, when we held the cutout up on the wall, it then became the same color as the wall panel. They both looked very different but they were the same after all.

So, what caused the drastic difference in color? The light from that one small window. As soon as the "problem" was noticed, I took a picture. While we were waiting for the designer to show up and inspect things, we went to lunch for about 45 minutes.

When the designer got there, the lighting had changed so drastically in that bathroom that she walked in, looked at it and said, "It looks the same to me." Sure enough, the wall panels looked the same as the shower pan. I went ahead with the rest of the installation and when I was done, the lighting had changed again and once again it looked like two different colors. I turned the bathroom lights on and off and each time the color went from different, back to the same.

Basically, the point of this story is this.

Light can really do funny things to your solid surface material. Window light in particular can play some serious tricks on the appearance of the color and also in the correct light angles, you can see more scratches and smudges and just plain busyness (new word) on your surface.

These light tricks are not unique to solid surface. Natural stone and manufactured stone also have the same lighting issues but for some reason solid surface really seems to get picked on for this. The difference I guess is the "sameness" factor that people expect to see from one piece of solid surface to the next. It should all look alike. Period.

Stone products are natural and therefore everyone automatically knows to expect some variation from piece to piece.

I think the important thing is to make sure that the customer is aware of this issue ahead of time and to expect it to a certain degree. It's all about building the proper expectations and then coming through on those expectations.

Bryan Dix is the owner of Complete Solid Surface Refinishing. North Carolina's first and best solid surface counter top "repair only" fabricator. CSSR Blog is packed with photos of different repairs and situations. Questions that customers and others ask will be addressed here. CSSR Blog.

Completing the Job - A Final Checklist For Building and Home Improvement Projects

When you make the final payment you eliminate your greatest point of leverage with the contractor. Before you sign off on the completion of your building or home improvement project and make that payment, use this checklist to make sure the job is complete.

Check that:

All work meets or exceeds the standards that are spelled out in the contract.

You have all written warranties for materials, fixtures and workmanship. You should also have any owner's manuals for appliances or other devices.

You have proof that all of the subcontractors and suppliers have been paid in full. This is important for protecting yourself from mechanics liens.

The work site has been cleaned up as agreed and cleared of any excess materials, as well as, tools and equipment.

You have inspected and approved all of the completed work. Be sure to check that all fixtures, appliances, etc. are hooked up and working properly.

Where to Complain

If you have a problem with your contractor or project, try to resolve it with the contractor first. If approached correctly many disputes can be resolved at this level. Follow up any phone conversations with a written letter restating your understanding. Send it by certified mail and request a return receipt so that you can prove that the company received your letter. Be sure to keep a copy for your files.

If you have done your best to work things out with the contractor and still can't get satisfaction, you may want to consider contacting the following organizations for further information and help:

Your State and/or local consumer protection offices.

Your state or local Builders Association or Remodelor's Association or Council.

Your local Better Business Bureau.

Your local Action Line

Consumer reporters. Check with local newspaper, TV and radio stations for contacts.

Local dispute resolution programs.

The best way to avoid getting to this point is to follow the guidelines for contractor.html" target="_blank">hiring a contractor, spell everything out in writing, make sure you are paying attention throughout the project and keep the communication lines open.

Learn to find and hire the right contractor.html">remodeling contractor by visiting http://easyhouseremodeling.com, a popular house remodeling website that offers information, tips and free remodeling and home improvement advice.

How to Replace a Circuit Breaker

It is always a good idea to have each circuit breaker clearly labeled. This prevents confusion and frustration in the event that one needs to be reset or replaced. You can begin labeling the circuits by turning them off and on to see which appliance it is connected to. Circuit breakers consist of the main power supply to your home as well as individual circuits for appliances within your home.

Learning how to replace a circuit breaker or install a new circuit breaker is a little more complicated than merely resetting a tripped breaker. Firstly, you should purchase a new circuit breaker from a home improvement or hardware store. Before installing a circuit breaker you should turn the main power breaker off to shut down power to the entire house.

You can remove the gray circuit breaker panel by unscrewing the faceplate. You will see two wires on the side of the breaker; be careful to remember what position each wire is in as you remove the panel. You can use a wire nut to hold and bend back the wire that you will use later on. Repeat this process for both the white and colored wires. After removing the old breaker box simply reinstall the new circuit breaker box and replace the wires in the same manner in which they were previously installed.

Installing a circuit breaker box is a seemingly simple task. Even if you are not technically inclined, you should still be able to perform this task. If, however, you are uncomfortable in dealing with electrical issues, it might be wise to consult with an electrician. All electricians know how to replace a circuit breaker and it is not very time consuming for them, and so it should not be expensive for you, and might save you some unnecessary frustration.

Circuit Breakers Info provides detailed information about circuit breaker panels, circuit breaker manufacturers, plus advice on how to replace and install circuit breakers and where to buy used and surplus circuit breakers. Circuit Breakers Info is the sister site of Electricians Web.

Foundation Repair Contractors

If your house or any part of your property experiences foundation failure, it is not a job you want to correct yourself. In order to do this properly you would have to be extensively trained and have a fast knowledge on the subject. This is not your everyday fixer upper project. Chances are to get the job done right; you are going to need to hire a professional. If you are like some people, this might make you a little uneasy. After all, how many times have you heard about contractors taking advantage of their customers? Some not so ethical contractors will charge you more than the job is worth. If you are a little uneasy calling in a professional, here are some basic guidelines for what to expect from a good foundation repair contractor.

The first thing any foundation repair contractor should do is an initial investigation and then a foundation failure report to some extent. Report will explain how severe the problem is and list the proposed repairs needed. If they are going to have to pier, they much included pier spacing and foundation lines in the reports. This takes some time. It might not be a one visit evaluation. A foundation repair contractor may have to come out, do an investigation and then present you with a formal report at a later time that will detail all the work. If you find a contractor who quotes you a price right then and there, chances are they are not a good one. Also do not be surprised if you are charged a fee for the inspection and the report. Most fees range from a few hundred to almost $1000 dollars. Make sure you ask if that fee will be deducted from the final price of the job once ordered. A qualified and ethical contractor will tell you yes. If they say no...stay away from them

Once the investigation is done and a report is ready, a reliable foundation repair contractor will go through it with you and give you the quoted price. They will also explain that quote and answer any questions you may have. If you are getting quotes by a few foundation repair contractors, bear in mind that the prices should not vary much if they are all doing the same work. This is because the materials should pretty much be the same price for all foundation repairmen. One of the possible reasons for the difference of prices between contractors is the amount of experience they have. A knowledgeable, skillful and experienced contractor might cost a little more money than one who has less experience. Keep this in mind when considering the cheapest contractor. Ask questions about their experience to help ensure you are making the best decision for you, your house and your budget.

Once all the work has been done, you should be given a report that contains all the hydraulic measurements and depths regarding the piers. This report should be saved as it will come in handy if you ever decided to sell you house.

Having foundation failure fixed is a costly project, but by following these guidelines, you will be able to find a foundation repair contractor that you are confident with. Make sure they are one who take pride in their work and are not looking for the quick buck.

For the best network of Foundation Repair Specialists check out http://www.Foundation-Repair.us

Women Love Them And So Do Men

Your bathroom vanity cabinet can be one of the nicest additions to your bathroom. Whether it is to be used primarily by only one person or by a number of people, your choice in style and set-up can be a lovely enhancement to one of the most frequently used rooms in your home.

One of the most essential features on a vanity cabinet for the lady in your home is the lighted make-up mirror. Although some vanity cabinets do not contain this feature, it is ideal for women and teenaged girls. A lighted make-up mirror is designed with a variety of optional lights, so that cosmetics can be applied in the lighting which best resembles the lighting in which the person will be wearing them.

Lighting Up

A lighted vanity mirror is not only for women, however; it is also quite useful for men when shaving. These mirrors provide much better lighting for this process than the plain overhead lighting that is already in most bathrooms. All you need to do is switch the lighting to the form which is best for your specific needs.

While vanity cabinets look very nice when they display perfume bottles and other such items, you can give your bathroom a much more pleasant appearance by choosing a bathroom vanity cabinet which has enough drawer space for the women's cosmetic collections and the men's shaving supplies. If the cabinet you choose also has small shelving, this will also help keep your bathroom better organized with cans of shaving cream, hair spray, and other larger items which do not fit as neatly in the drawers.

Selection Of Material

You can select a vanity cabinet in a nice wood tone that will highlight your bathroom; or, if you prefer, you can find one in wicker or metal materials. Whichever style best suits your own personal tastes, you can keep your cabinet neat and clean by lining the drawers and shelves with colorful shelf-lining paper.

In addition to enhancing the appearance of your cabinet, this will also help to preserve its quality, as it will keep spills and other residue from ruining your cabinet. Shelf-lining paper, which can also be found in moisture-resistant material, is available in an almost limitless variety of designs and colors, so you will be able to easily find the exact style which suits your individual preferences.

Wall Mount

You also have the choice between a wall-mounted vanity cabinet and the larger style which often includes a small stool or other seating designed to make applying cosmetics and other grooming easier and more comfortable. Depending on both the size of your room and the needs of those who will be using it, you can select whichever style is most appropriate for you.

Even if you have a very small bathroom, it is not necessary to do without this all-important furnishing, as you can find a size that is suitable. As you can see, there are a number of practical uses for bathroom vanity cabinets; the one you choose can be both practical and tasteful in appearance at the same time.

Ernest Jarquio is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Bathrooms-And-Showers.com. He provides more resources on topics such as Delta bathroom faucets, bathroom remodelers and natural bath salts that you can research on his website even while lounging in your living room.

Bathroom And Shower Room Wall Tiling Tips

Having a new bathroom tiled?

The following article is in response to all the people that are actually considering having new tiling for for the first time round and for those of you that want a decent job done.

Read on and you can spare yourself lots of anguish and desperation (and some money too).

It is now quite often when I go to price a tiling job that I have to advise people on some problem on carrying out the work. The typical hotspots are:

• bath out of level
• fitted showers
• shower trays and baths with excessive gap between these and the walls
• lipped shower trays not set in
• shower unit/controls at the wrong height
• radiators, towel rail, basin already fitted, toilet pan height and servicing
• old tiles still in place after having a new suite installed

How can the above hotspots interfere with the tiling you may ask. Well, it goes like this:

"Bath out of level"

One of the first things that I do when starting a bathroom wall tile installation, is to put my long spirit level on and along the perimeter of the bath. What I found often is that the bath is badly out of level, sometimes dropping towards the plug hole and on fewer occasions dropping opposite to the plug hole. Of all of the baths I have seen to date I have not yet seen a bath that has not got a natural internal fall in order to drain the water, so I cannot see a valid reason for not having the top of the bath level. It must be said though, that occasionally, some baths are simply badly built. No much thought has been given for accommodating the tiles

If the tiles to be installed are a medium to large size and have no strong pattern, then is not a problem for the tiler. He/she would just need to trim the tiles accordingly to the fall but if the level is too much out you can have problem when installing a bath/shower screen onto the bath edge.

if on the other hand you are installing mosaic or tiles with lines or strong patterns, the tiling will look awful as even the smallest level difference along the bath length will be very noticeable. When dealing with mosaic, doing cuts means more time and money.

"Fitted shower"

I is important to have the tiles to go behind the unit as this can avoid water penetration in the wall/s. Some showers have the hot and cold pipes covered with a plate. On these type of shower units tiling must be done before the unit is fitted as the tile can be drilled neatly to accommodate the pipe work; if not, the tiles will need to be cut in a way that will have to show an unsightly finish. If the plumber is fitting a new shower unit ask him/her to allow for the pipe work to protrude from the wall more than it is needed, then to wait for the tiling to be done before final installation. I have had situations where the shower has been fitted, without even allowing for the tile thickness between the cover plates and the wall.

"Shower trays and baths with excessive gap"

When installing baths or trays make sure to have very little gap from them to the walls otherwise you might end up using either too much silicone or having to install a bath trim. I am not in favour of these bath/shower trims or tile beads as I have found the baths and trays can move downwards causing the trim to separate and capillary action allowing water to draw into the walls. If you find that the bath or tray is not fitting tight to the walls it is likely that it is due to the right angled wall not being square to the other or that the wall is bulging. It is standard practice to slightly bed in the bath/tray into the wall; just enough for the gap to close. This also helps "hold" the bath/tray in place. Many times you would only need to channel one wall only. This is when the internal corner of the wall is not square. Again, only set the tray into the wall until the gap closes. Care must be taken not to inset the bath too much as you might have problem with the taps distance to the wall, hence preventing clear access on opening and closing them. Also, pay attention to the shower tray as if you inset this too much, you might have problems later fitting the shower screen.

"Lipped shower trays not set in"

Lipped showers are those trays that have an upstand along 2 or more sides.

These trays are supposed to be containing the water within the tray and avoiding water leakage into the adjoining walls. In theory this is great but I have carried out a number of tiling repairs due to this type of tray. The reason why there has been some problem with this type of tray is because of poor plumbing installation. On a few occasions the tray was placed against the walls (not inset into the wall). On other occasions the fitter did not inset the tray enough into the walls. I have noticed that there usually is a considerable lateral movement once I step on the tray during tile installation. This causes the tray's upright lip to move (from inside outwards) towards the tile and doing so, de-bonding the first row of tiles and in turn allowing water to penetrate in the wall, causing problems. The only way not to have any problem with this type of tray is to make sure that the tray is set in the wall more than the lateral movement allows. Care must be taken not to go too deep in the wall as the shower screen might not fit inside the tray.

"Shower unit/controls at the wrong height"

A common problem that can be avoided is the placing of the shower controls height onto the walls. As it is important for the user to have the controls at the right height one overlooked situation is the height of the tile border. If there is no border then it's not a problem but if you are considering installing a tile border, then get the tiler to relay with the plumber as you don't want to spoil the border being interrupted by the controls. If the border is thicker than the main tiles then you can have more problems with the control's cover plates not seating flush, also if the border is thicker than the tiles the tiler will need to know where the shower/bath screen will be going exactly as that part of the border where the screen will cover must not be tiled or the screen won't seat flush.

"Radiators, towel rail, basin already fitted, toilet pan height and servicing"

On situations where basin, towel rail radiators and toilet are fitted, this is where a lot of time will need to be spent as it (unless removed) will require to cut around these items (if possible). Here if planned in advance the tiling would need to be carried out BEFORE the final plumbing installation. Reality is that many plumbers want to get in and out as soon as possible not worrying about the tiling (after all, they are not doing it, are they!). If you are going to have the floor tiled then you MUST have the basin (pedestal), toilet pan and any surface mounted radiator OFF the floor and the plumbing already prepared for the new floor height. If the existing floor is made of wood, then there is a big chance that the floor will go up around 1" - about 25 mm bu5AAt can only be assessed during the estimate or quote.

"Old tiles still in place after having a new suite installed"

This is another thing overlooked.

You have planned your project for a long time, the workers get in to replace the old bathroom suite with the one you really wanted for a long time. They remove the first row of tiles abutting the old suite and install the new one. Job done.

It is beyond belief that some people can do this. "The tiler can take the tiles off".

It must be appreciated that removing tiles after a new bathroom suite has been installed is no easy task and the risk of damage to it can be considerable. Also, at times, some sections of walls may need to be replaced or repaired according to the surface type and adhesive strength. Make sure that the tiles ARE removed prior to the new installation.

The same applies to kitchen installations.

Tile Master 2008

http://www.tile-master.co.uk/html/tiling_help.html

Aspects of Conservatory Sunrooms

If you have decided to build a sun room, it is probably because you are hoping to be able to use this room through the year and that means in all seasons. To do this, you need to consider the rooms design very carefully to avoid overspending your budget. Everyone knows that insulation is the most important factor in design with a conservatory, for example, but inadequate insulation doesnt necessarily save you money. First, if you have too little insulation (or too much), you may5B4 discover that your conservatory sun room is less comfortable than you thought it would be. Secondly, you may end up spending more money in keeping the house warm and cool than you would if you had spent the money in the design phase on proper insulation. Youll need to take a look at the building code requirements for conservatory insulation. and then talk about this issue with your contractor. Its entirely possible that by so spending a little more and exceeding those recommendations, it can save you in the long run e.g. if you were to dispense with the commonly-used 2x4 studs and use 2x6 studs instead, you would gain an additional insulating 2 inches for your room. After insulation, consider windows. Because they will make up the main cost of your conservatory, you need to choose them carefully. Windows do not only impact your homes appearance. but they have a functional component. Plus, they are a major factor in the construction budget of your sun room.

First. you should think about the type of glazing you require. Glazing isnt just for letting sun in - it should not only let sunlight in, but it should also keep out harmful rays and protect your family and you from the suns UV.

Some special glazes can retain heat in your sun room, acting as an additional insulation. The insulating properties of windows will depend on their cost and the material from which they are made.

58CWindows frames made of wood are normally the most expensive option, and these will need some maintenance such as occasional painting or possibly refinishing. But wood windows are relatively efficient too, in terms of energy.

Vinyl windows are very energy efficient, as well as moderate in cost compared to other types. Youll have a wide choice of colors and often a low maintenance requirement.

Finally. windows constructed of aluminum are less energy efficient, but are usually lower maintenance or even in many cases maintenance free. The clad style is very common, and these are relatively maintenance free, with energy efficiency that comes close to wood frames but at a far lower cost. Remember when planning a conservatory that whether or not a window opens and closes will impact their cost. So, the more non-opening, or fixed windows that you choose to include in your sun room, the cheaper your overall design will be. Think carefully about which of the windows will need to be accessible and opened or closed, and which can be non-opening in order to give you the flexibility that you need in using the room, without the additional cost of opening windows you wont really be needed.

Andrew Caxton is the author and editor of many resources published at 30Ahttp://www.allsunrooms.com He provides tips and advice about patio enclosures as well as on the patio rooms at conservatory sunroom

Do It Yourself Home Security

Proper and safe home security doesn't have to involve hiring a professional to install the most up-to-date security system on the market. There are numerous DIY home security options out there; you just need to be familiar with them and choose what precautions you should take to keep you, your home, and your family safe. DIY home security involves everything from teaching your children what to do when at home alone to installing a state-of-the-art, DIY home security alarm that allows the homeowner to perform the installation and set up.

DIY Home Security Basics
Homeowners often overlook simple, yet effective, DIY home security projects. If a home looks difficult to break into or a burglar believes there is a good chance of getting caught, he will usually bypass that home and move on to another. The most important aspect of home security is creating an atmosphere that isn't conducive to a burglar being able to enter your home. The following DIY home security projects create this type of environment. Install exterior lights and include either a timer or a motion detector, Secure all exterior doors and windows with well-built, steadfast locks and Trim back trees and shrubs in your yard, especially around windows and doors. These do it yourself home security tasks are easy and fast projects, yet they offer you and your family paramount security.

DIY Home Security Systems
Installing a DIY home security system is a bit more difficult and time-consuming than replacing locks and adding a few lights. Before taking on this task, you need to be prepared to spend some time and money, but the advantages are well worth the costs. DIY home security systems are usually wireless and can cost as little as $100 or as much as several thousand dollars. Installing a DIY home security system in your home offers a wide range of benefits. DIY Upgrades, Mobility, Ease of Use and No-Cost Installation. Just as hardwired, professionally installed home security systems can be fit with many different accessories to meet your individual security needs, so can DIY home security systems. The majority of DIY home security systems come with a basic keypad, control panel, and window/door contacts, but the list of accessories available for purchase is virtually endless. Some of the most commonly purchased.

Additions are: Sirens, Strobe Lights, Motion Detectors, Surveillance Cameras, Smoke Detectors and Glass Break Detectors.

Integrating these accessories into your DIY home security system is an easy process, and tailoring your system to fit your needs is extremely important. DIY home security systems also allow you to upgrade your system as needed; as technology advances and the needs of your family change, you can easily install the additional security accessories you feel necessary. From the most menial tasks such as trimming trees to the more advanced job of installing an entire home security system, Do it yourself home security is a great way to ensure your safety.

Ralph Winn writes about Home Security and other related topics. For more information visit http://www.home-security-systems.net

An Introduction to Brick Building

Fired clay bricks remain one of the most enduring building materials known to the world wide building industry. Some might argue that it is also one of the most beautiful and that it adds character to any building with its colour, strength and texture. Clay brick dates as far back as the Egyptian age and connects us with the history of our ancestors.

Being such a versatile building material and because of its very good climatic characteristics, it remains the material of choice for residential buildings in South Africa. Bricks have an excellent fire rating, it is weatherproof and has really good acoustic properties and is almost soundproof, and best of all it amount to only about 10 per cent of the total cost of a typical residential building. Homebuyers will almost always prefer to buy a house constructed out of clay brick as it does not deteriorate over time and has a higher resale value.

Bricks vary quite significantly in because of the diverse manufacturing processes and types of clay used in their manufacture in various regions. Often potential home builders make the mistake in thinking that all bricks are the same and there is no need to shop around for different finishes and colours. This can be costly as the quality of different brick manufacturers vary considerably as will also be reflected in the price. A very cheap brick might be of un-even size or may warp making building with them a lot more difficult.

Face brick

The use of face brick is often used in residential architecture for its low maintenance properties and often the aesthetics is overlooked completely. Face brick can be very aesthetically pleasing with its rustic look and a good architect might combine face brick with plastered areas to come to more a balanced aesthetic as face brick in its single form can be a bit overwhelming. When opting to build with face brick make sure you appoint a good builder with a good face brick portfolio as the jointing of a face brick wall can make or break the aesthetic of this type of construction. Also make sure you order sufficient bricks the first time as, because it being a natural material can vary noticeably per batch.

Cement bricks

These bricks are similar to a clay stock (plaster) brick but are more often used in regions where clay might be in short supply. There is usually not a big price difference between cement and clay plaster bricks and cement brick is mostly used as a substitute. When ordering cement bricks make sure that they are properly cured and dry before using them. If more that 5 per cent breaks upon delivery, have a knowledgeable person check the quality of the bricks.

Plaster (Stock) bricks

Cheaper than face bricks, a plaster brick still is manufactured to high standards to ensure uniformity of size and structure, but have to be plastered and painted thereby cancelling out the cost saving and has to be maintained at fairly regular intervals. Often great aesthetics can be achieved by combining plastered walls with face brick walls.

Written by Jere Botes, architect & founder of http://www.dreamhouses.co.za, a website dedicated to provide home builders, home renovators, home owners & developers with free professional advice on all aspects of home design, building & diy. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing to http://www.dreamhouses.co.za

Installing Counter Tops

How To Install Formica Counter tops

First, prepare the surface to accept the laminate plastic:

The best material for this job is plastic laminate 1/16" thick for the flat surfaces. For the vertical surfaces, 1/32" thick can be used. Sanding and cleaning the surface that you are covering is very important. Make sure you remove any paint or varnish. The counter top you are covering is probably made of strong particle board, but standard particle board and even plywood are fine as underlayment for plastic laminates.

Next, cut the laminated plastic:

Using a circular saw, a saber saw, a back saw or a utility knife, cut the laminate material. Make sure the saw blade is very fine toothed. Place5B4 a strip of tape (masking tape or duct tape) along line to be cut on the laminate to stop chipping and to have a line that is easier to see.

If you are using a power saw, cut on the reverse side of the laminate. Since these types of saws cut on the upstroke, cutting from the back will prevent chipping. If use a hand saw, you can cut from the front at a low angle. Make sure you cut the sheets a little wider and longer than you need to allow for trimming.

Then, apply the laminate plastic:

It is recommended that you apply the laminate with contact cement, although you can use epoxy adhesives. Using coarse sandpaper, roughen the surface to be covered. Lightly brush off the residue, or better yet, use an air compressor to blow it off. Be very careful when you lay the sheets. It is important to know that 50 to 75% of the bonding strength of the cement is present in the first contact, so you have to make sure the pieces are accurately positioned before you put them down. On vertical surfaces, you can position the sheets directly on the surface without using any wooden strips or paper.

Now, finish the job:

Once the laminate is positioned correctly, take the dowel rods out one at a time as you bond the two pieces together Using a roller, press down the laminate sheets you have just laid down. Roll the whole surface thoroughly to get rid of any pockets of air and to assure that the plastic sheet is very strongly 59Battached to the surface at all the points of the sheet. If you have a large surface and one piece is not large enough, you will have to make a seam. First, bond the two pieces into place. To finish off the edges, clean the base of the router so that anything stuck on the base will not scratch the laminate. You can usually remove any small debris with a piece of tape and don't need power tools and table for such trivial tasks. Remove any surplus contact cement with acetone. Ordinary polish remover for nails can be used if you do not have acetone.

Concentrating on information about woodworking machinery, the author published normally for http://www.insidewoodworking.com His writings on power tools and table saw reviews can be found on his online sites.

Spray Foam Insulation is The Wise Choice for Your Home or Business

In recent years, all the world has started to focus on energy conservation, and getting the most out of reusable products. In addition to the various hybrid cars, energy efficient appliances, light bulbs, and such, you can include spray foam insulation.

This kind of insulation offers multiple features for the environmentally (and economically) aware. Spray foam is a green, cost effective and safe material to install in your home or business.

Spray foam is made from agriculturally based materials that are naturally occurring. It also contains one of the highest levels of reusable materials, making it environmentally friendly even when you're ready to dispose of it.

Energy efficiency is another attractive feature. Because of the nature of the materials and the means of application, the spray foam creates an air tight seal between the walls. This translates to heating and cooling savings for your home or business. When applied, the insulator fills every nook and cranny, keeping the elements where they belong - outside.

Not only does it save you money on the monthly bills, it can save you up to $500 dollars at tax time. Of course, there are cer16A4tain requirements, including the quality of the foam, warranties and documentation by the manufacturer, but when you consider to those tax savings, getting the paperwork isn't such a big deal.

Yet another way you can save with this type of insulator is on installation itself. It's so simple to apply, that you can rent equipment and do it yourself. Even if you hire out, the application is relatively quick and easy, saving the contractor time on the job.

One of the most important features about the spray foam insulation is how household safe it is. Because of the composition of the materials, it provides no nutritional value to rodents or vermin, nor does it allow or support mold growth. Beyond that, your insulation can function as an effective part of a fire prevention system.

The foam is fire resistant. When combined with proper alarm devices and safety plans, it can contribute to the safety of your building and whoever's inside. The material's been tested in industry standard fire trials, and stands up better than most to sustained fires. It just doesn't catch fire like some materials can. That definitely brings peace of mind.

Whether you're remodeling or starting fresh, spray foam insulation is a wise choice for your insulating needs. It's environmentally friendly, and lends itself easily to the big job of making existing structures green. It's a money saver on both monthly bills and tax time. And finally, it protects your structure from nasty things like mold and vermin, while offering a moderate level of fire safety (when combined with an appropriate monitoring and safety system).

Going green in the 21st century shouldn't be a hassle. With spray foam insulation, you can turn your home or business into an eco-friendly site. The savings you get from the energy efficiency and quick application makes this a wise choice to suit your building needs.

If you're thinking of going green on your home or business, spray foam insulation is a great choice. It offers eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency and safety from a variety of typical problems. For an idea of what the insulation can offer, visit Apex Foam today. http://www.apexfoam.com

Great Ideas for a Stylish Bathroom

Every few years most people get the urge to renovate their bathrooms. You probably have many ideas of what you want done, but are unsure of what it's going to cost. You may be able to estimate the cost for materials, but have no clue what the labor will cost, that is provided you hire an outside contractor. While the idea of a contractor sounds great because they know what they're doing and will get the job done quickly, it's going to cost!

Why not attempt to do it yourself. If you're organized and plan ahead, you can get a great deal on many of the bathroom fixtures and supplies you're going to need. You may think you don't have the required experience to renovate the bathroom yourself, but it's a small room and the perfect opportunity to "practice" your carpenter skills. Because it's such a small room, you may want to use this chance to enlarge the room, giving yourself more space for storage or decorating ideas.

Enlarging the room may seem like a huge task, but it may only mean knocking down one wall. In most cases, there is a closet or other unused wall behind part of the bathroom. You've been looking for this opportunity. You can make some beautiful built in shelves for towels, books or miscellaneous bathroom items. As long as you have the walls down to the bare wiring and studs, it's the perfect chance to put a light in your new shelf.

If you've planned ahead with this project, you're not rushed, which means you've had a lot of time to look for a cheap contractor to do the work for you. Or, better yet, you may have a friend of relative that will do the work for you for next to nothing. If this is the case, they'll have some great recommendations on ways to utilize space as well as save money and still get the bathroom of your dreams. Make sure you don't let him do all the work for you. If you don't know much about power tools like air compressors, this is a great time to learn. Use this opportunity to learn all you can about renovating so next time you really can do it yourself and save.

Before you begin your bathroom project, set aside a budget of how much you can afford to spend. If you were able to get cheap labor or, better yet, do it yourself, you'll have extra money for supplies. This is great if you have some special item you've wanted but didn't think you could afford!

Last of all, keep in mind if you're doing it yourself, it's not going to be done in a day. Plan ahead so that you can efficiently do the work on the important parts. Remember, you don't want to be without a toilet or shower for long!

Peter Wilson's detailed reports are published on numerous online sites with information about how air compressors observations and types of air compressors. Recording his experience in reports, he affirmed his capability on ideas dealing with air compressor tests and how air compressors contributions.

Installing Retrofit and Replacement Vinyl Windows

In previous articles i explained to you how to determine whether your windows are candidates for vinyl replacement style frames or retrofit style frames. This week I'm going to explain the installation techniques for both frame styles. Let's start with the retrofit frame.

Retrofit window installation is really the easiest of all. The retrofit window already comes with an exterior trim attached. That's the flush fin that goes against the outside surface, usually stucco. Prepare the window by drilling 3/8" holes in the areas of the frame where you w14C8ant to screw it in place. Normally, there will be 3 holes on each side and 3 more across the top. Don't predrill any holes in the bottom track. After removing the old panels, you want to run a heavy bead of caulk on the face of the old aluminum frame that you left in place. Then you and a helper set the bottom of the vinyl window onto the old aluminum bottom track and raise it into position. The flush fin or retrofit lip will act as a "stop" to hold the window in place. Have your helper hold the window while you go inside.

Once inside, you want to center the window in the opening. Slide the vent panel open and closed to make sure the window is plumb and level. To adjust for out of square conditions, shim the bottom right or left corner by placing a shimming material between the sill and bottom of the window frame. Once square, drive a 3" deck screw through the 3/8" holes and into the wood studs.Just seat the screw, don't overtighten. After you get the screws into the sides and top, remove the sliding panel. The bottom track should lift out. Look for drainage holes in the track and insert a thin screwdriver and lift up. Drive one screw in the bottom center, caulk around the screw head, then put the track back in place and re-install the sliding panel. Now, you want to go back outside and caulk the gap where the retrofit fin meets the exterior surface of the house. You want to have a double barrier of protection against water infiltration. Remember, you already applied a generous bead of caulk before inserting the new frame into the opening. The rest of the job is done on the inside.

First, you want to plug the 3/8" screw holes to hide the heads of the screws. We sell the hole plugs on the website. Just click on the "shop" tab to see a picture. The plugs will pop into place in the hole. The next step is to fill the gap around the new frame with R-13 Insulation. Do not use the foam insulation that comes in a can. Many manufacturers will not honor the warranty if the foam is used. Even the non expanding foams can cause the frame to distort, causing problems. Pack the insulation in tight. You might want to wear a dust mask during this procedure. Many people, myself included, are very sensitive to insulation. After the insulation is in place, you want to install trim around the inside to finish the job. You can use wood trim from the hardware store, or some other product. But in my experience, the best product is a vinyl flat trim that matches the window frame. The flat trim can also be purchased on the website under the "shop" tab, or you could try to find it from a local window contractor. Ours comes in 3 different widths, although the 1 3/4" wide piece is by far the most common. The trim has a double sided adhesive tape on the back. You cut the top and bottom first, stick them on the vinyl frame, making sure the trim goes to the drywall. This covers all the insulation and the old metal frame. Do the side pieces next. The final step is to caulk where the trim meets the walls.

Much of the installation process for a replacement frame is the same as the retrofit frame. But, there are a few differences. When you put the new window into the opening using a replacement frame, you don't have the flush fin holding the frame in place. You and your helper have to hold the frame in place while you put a screw in the top center to support the frame. Then, you can do your adjusting for a square condition. All of the procedures on the inside will be exactly the same, from hole plugs, to insulation, to trim and caulk. The outside is different. You have to apply the trim that was part of the retrofit frame. Again, I prefer the flat trim. Once again, you apply a bead of caulk to the old frame,then measure and cut the top and bottom trim pieces. Apply the adhesive part of the trim to the vinyl frame, and let the other part contact the bead of caulk. Trim all four sides, then caulk again where the trim meets the exterior material.

As you can see, it really doesn't matter if the exterior of your home is brick, stone, siding, or stucco. You can install vinyl windows without having to damage the surrounding structure. We have step by step instructional videos for sale on the website at how-to-install-windows.com. Next week we are going to start discussing sliding glass door replacement.

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

Tips To Design A Bathroom

If you want your bathroom to be elegant and comfortable, you have to add some modern accessories to it. A modern bathroom reflects your lifestyle. Bathroom is a place where you can get rid of stress. Before planning a bathroom you have to choose a suitable hardware.

One of the most important things which enhance the look of your bathroom is lightning. Your bathroom needs both artificial and natural light. Lightning enhances the look and makes the room look more spacious. Several types of lights which can be used in a bathroom are down lights, shower lights, spot lights, wall lights, mirror lights and shaving lights. If you will maintain proper heat and ventilation, your bathroom will be always fresh. Ventilation keeps out unpleasant odor and moisture.

The next thing which can completely change the look of your bathroom is a bathroom mirror. Bathroom mirror reflect both natural and artificial light. To finish the look of your bathroom you can add certain outfits like towel rails, soap dishes, glass shelves and baskets.

One more thing you will need in your bathroom is furniture. You can buy some cabinets for storage of towels and other important things. Most common accessories which you need in your bathroom are showers, wash basin, bathroom tubs and shelves. If you want to redesign your bathroom first you have to set your budget. The bathroom is no longer just a space for cleaning yourself as it is changing in a comfort zone. It will be a good idea to discuss all your expectations with your interior designer before starting anything.

If you want to know more about Bathroom Showers then feel free to visit Bella Bathrooms
Jitesh Arora

Western Bathroom Decor Ideas

Often, the bathrooms in our homes get little or no consideration when it comes to decorating. That's too bad because there are plenty of western bathroom decor ideas that can make a big difference. After all, the bathroom is usually where we're at right before bedtime and where we spend time in the morning getting ready for the day. So, why not add a few decorative touches to remind us of something we have a fondness for?

Our favorite decor ideas for the bathroom are ones from the western, southwestern, lodge, and rustic styles of home decorating. For example, western style decor might include items related to western scenery or settings, cowboys and cowgirls, or horses, as well as rodeo and ranching activities. The Southwestern style might feature desert scenes, red rock canyons, cactus, or Native American designs. Nature and wildlife are common themes for the lodge and rustic styles.

Most of the things we use as part of our bathroom decor ideas are common items for the bathroom, but they're done in a certain decorative style. These common items include shower curtains, towel bars, robe hooks, tissue holders, soap dishes, lotion dispensers, toothbrush holders, waste cans, and so forth. There are also wallpaper borders, vanity lights, switch covers, along with cabinet pulls and knobs that are done in your favorite decorating style.

If your home has more than one bathroom, you might have one for the master bedroom, one (or more) for the other bedrooms, and perhaps a guest bathroom or powder room. If that's the case, you might want to use one of the best bathroom decor ideas we know of - simply get a few items that reflect the hobbies and/or interests of the person(s) that uses each of the bathrooms the most. Then, decorate the guest bathroom or powder room to match or complement the rest of your home.

If you're a horse lover, you'll be able to find a wide variety of shower curtains with a horse theme. You can choose all kinds of scenes, from a horse grazing in a lush meadow to a group of wild mustangs running freely across the open range. You can easily find other bathroom accessories and accents that feature a design or depiction of a horse.

Are you a cowboy or cowgirl at heart? You can get a toothbrush holder, lotion dispenser, soap 8D7dish, and more, all with a matching design that features a depiction of a western character. Towel bars are available that make it seem like a pair of cowboys are holding a rope for you to drape your towel over. Some types of western light fixtures have a cowboy silhouette in metal art.

Perhaps you have a deep appreciation for nature and wildlife. You can express your feelings with rustic style bathroom accessories and accents that bring a touch of the outdoors into your room. Whether it's plant or animal, you'll have lots of choices. You can get decor items with designs or depictions of acorns, pine trees, pinecones, elk, deer, moose, bears, ducks, geese, or trout.

No matter which bathroom decor ideas have the most appeal for you, the best part is that getting a desired look or creating a theme is easily accomplished without spending lots of money. Most of the accessories and accents for the bathroom are affordable and have a very practical purpose, so why not get them in your favorite style? The difference it makes as you start your day can certainly make you glad you did!

AnnaRae Mills loves informal home decor; especially the western, rustic, southwestern, country, and lodge styles. She has dozens of great decorating tips to share with you. Plus, see more than 375 pictures that show why casual home decor is more popular than ever. Go to http://www.Western-Home-Decor.net

What Does It Cost To Build A Home In Ocala

Marion County, where the city of Ocala is located, has seen burgeoning growth, and it continues to rapidly rise till the present day, and is dramatically changing the face of the county. Nowhere is that more evident than on State Road 200, where commercial and residential development moved at a fever pitch. In 1995, Ocala was named the fifth best place to live in the U.S. by Money magazine.

The city was named an All-America City earlier in the year, and moved up in the national rankings from 78th place in 1994. It was also named the second best mid-sized metropolitan area in the nation and the second best city in the South. The city offers investors with not just lovely horse farms and estates, which Ocala is famous for, but also an assortment of industries and employment opportunities ranging from electronics, aerospace development, manufacturing, real estate and tourism.

Affordable Housing

Marion County, as well as Ocala, offers several affordable housing programs for income-eligible households. The County provides medium-income families a State Housing Initiative Partnership or SHIP, and the Community Development Block Grant or CDBG for home purchase or rehabilitation outside of the city limits.

In Ocala, the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program, which utilizes federal funds, along with the s5B4tate-funded SHIP program is offered to income eligible residents who wish to buy homes within the city limits. Each year, several home events are also hosted by the city, expose potential buyers to the area's developers.

Two of the city's major annual events are the annual spring Parade of Homes and the Fall Showcase of Homes. The Marion County Building Industry Association sponsors both events. Homes usually range from the more affordable end of just over $100,000 to those considered in the luxury price range of over $500,000.

Tips For Ocala Home-seekers

The local local realtors association is a good first step in looking for a nice home. Most local brokers suggest stopping by the local Chamber of Commerce for those new to the area and looking for a house. They note that a wealth of information is available to help make the search easier. In addition to contacting a local property broker of choice and getting referrals from peers, they also suggest getting in the car and driving around town, to better learn the area.

For the second quarter of 2007, the median prices of homes in Marion County was pegged at $170,900, which represents a slight jump from $169,500 for the same period in 2006. The National Association of Realtors reported a U.S. median home price of $223,800 for the second quarter of 2007 compared to $227,100 in 2006. Statewide, the median price for the period was $221,200, down from $243,300 in 2005A56.

Most major housing indicators show the market in Ocala is leaning toward the area of being a buyer's market. Housing analysts say this is being driven by the increasing inventory of both new and existing homes. During 2006-2007, Marion County reported 2,698 permits for construction of single-family homes, which is down from 6,355 in the 2005-2006 fiscal year.

As for construction of multi-family homes, which include condos, town homes and apartments, there was a slight increase in 2007 with 48 permits versus 37 permits in 2006.

Vanessa A. Doctor from Jump2Top - SEO Company

http://www.fountainsatgolfpark.com/fountains/index.htm - Ocala Real Estate

Only Cartoon Woodpeckers Are Funny!

To me, the only thing funny about woodpeckers is watching them in cartoons. When woodpeckers choose our homes as drilling sites, all humor is lost to noise and nuisance. They drill for a variety of reasons: to attract mates, to forage insects, or to create storage and nests. Generally, they drill on homes made of wood or with wood siding, especially of redwood or cedar. Typically, holes in homes or buildings are caused by only one or two woodpeckers. Once a woodpecker claims your home as its territory, getting rid of it can be very difficult. While we may find their behavior a nuisance, woodpeckers make many beneficial contributions to nature. Since woodpeckers are non-game birds protected by law, keep in mind that your goal is to move them, not destroy them.

First on your to-do list should be to have your house checked for pests (ex. termites, hornets and bees), which attract woodpeckers. Woodpeckers also eat fruits, berries and nuts. If you have a fruit bearing tree in your yard, make sure it is trimmed away from the house. In the past, I have tried banging on the inside of the wall opposite where the woodpeckers drill without much luck. Here are some other ideas that may help get them to stop:

-place strips of reflective tape or aluminum foil on the guttering
-scare the woodpeckers by hanging a colorful wind sock, scare eye balloon, or aluminum pie pans near the area they are drilling
-purchase a model owl or hawk and place near the area of concern
-hang plastic, metal or nylon mesh sheets over the drilling area
-use a squirt gun or water hose to spray the woodpeckers with water
-attach metal or plastic sheeting over the drilling site
-nail or staple chicken wire or wire mesh over pecked areas
-frighten the woodpeckers away with a toy cap gun
-camouflage metal, plastic or nylon deterrents that youve place by painting them the same color as your house

Most damage from woodpeckers is too extensive to repair with just a patch. Many times, homeowners neglect repairing woodpeckers damage and another creature takes up residence in holes drilled by the woodpecker. Replacing the damaged portions is really the only way to prevent wood rot, deterioration and infestation.

Its important to note that there are over 200 species of woodpeckers in North America, and all are protected by federal law. Shooting or harming them is forbidden, and trapping is discouraged and usually not successful. Try outsmarting your woodpecker, and youll be the one doing all the laughing!

Basement Remodeling Ideas

Remodeling your basement is an excellent way to add extra living space, plus extra value, to your home. By planning carefully before you begin you can maximize the space and get the most for your money. When planning, consider a bathroom and wet bar area if the plumbing is available. This will ad extra value and make entertaining in this room easier and more enjoyable. A small refrigerator, a microwave, and coffer maker are good to include. A full bath is a great value, but even a half bath adds to the value. If the plumbing is there, or you can add it, do so.

The first step is to make sure the basement is, a1C84nd will remain, dry. Water seepage will completely undo all your hard work, so it is very important that you don't overlook this first step. There are many products sold in your local hardware stores that you can just paint on the walls to keep your basement dry and leak free. It's very much worth the time and effort.

There are certain elements in the basement that you can't move or change, so plan around them. Beams, support columns, furnace, water heater and any existing plumbing can be incorporated into your plan by building around them. Build a separate room for the furnace and water heater. Box in beams and columns that you want to cover and then drywall around them. Do the same with plumbing pipes, but remember to leave a way to access this plumbing in the future, either by adding a small hinged door, or a removable piece of drywall that can be latched into place.

The duct work for the heating system will be running between the floor joists. You can add a couple of heat ducts from the existing system to the new space to direct heat where you want in the room.

Frame the walls with 2 x 4's, with a header and footer, the studs being 16 inches on center. Attach these to the cement walls in the basement and also to the floor.

Next, it's time for the wiring. This is something that should definitely be installed by a professional certified electrician. Electrical outlets should be plentiful to allow you free use of the space for whatever you choose later. Also, the wall switches should be the type that can be operated from two different locations. You don't want to come upstairs only to have forgotten to turn off one of the lights and have to go all the way back down to do it. Putting one of the switches near the entrance to the basement from the first floor will save many steps and aggravation. This is also the point at which you should install the wiring for telephone lines and surround sound speakers.

If you don't already have plenty of insulation in the walls, now is the time to put it in. It never hurts to have extra, and doing this will help lower your energy bills in the future.

Hang and finish the dry wall. This is a job that can be done by most do-it-yourselfers, with a little practice. Use drywall screws to attach the sheetrock to the 2 x 4's. You can also use wood paneling if you prefer, but drywall produces a more professional appearance.

After the drywall is finished, it's time for the ceiling. Using a dropped ceiling is the choice of most people, for a couple of reasons. One is that hanging and finishing overhead drywall is a tough job. The main reason is that a dropped ceiling will allow easy access to those plumbing pipes and any wiring that is running overhead. If there is a breakage or a leak, you can access it easily and will not need to replace the entire ceiling, just the panels that may be damaged.

Put insulation between the floor joists before you hang the ceiling panels. This acts as a sound barrier to the overhead rooms. When you're in the basement enjoying loud music with the surround sound at full blast, anyone upstairs will not be disturbed by the noise.

The flooring is the last step. Carpeting with good padding is a good choice because it keeps the cement floor warmer and helps with insulation from the ground up. Tile floors in the bathroom and wet bar area allow for quick clean up of any spills that occur in those areas.

Bathroom Signs - Not Just For Public Rest Rooms Anymore

Bathroom signs are not only for public rest rooms anymore! If you have a taste for the whimsical, the humorous, the unusual, you can now find bathroom signs that will suit your particular taste. If you wish, you can even build the entire theme of your bathroom around this new, lighthearted trend.

Humor

While some people like to have small, framed portraits as a basic part of their bathroom decor, others will get quite a sense of whimsy by instead adding one or more well-placed signs which bear humorous designs and sayings.

Signs For Kids

Children may love to have their favorite cartoon characters in their bathrooms, while teenagers would delight in showing their friends their favorite celebrities, hobbies, and sports on their bathroom walls.

But this new idea in bathroom decorating does not have to stop with the youngsters, as many adults would also enjoy adding a bit of humor to their everyday lives. Catchy little phrases can brighten anyone's day! You can also find signs of a more serious nature, if you would prefer quotes or themes that can give you and your family members something positive to think about as they begin each day.

Be Sensitive To The Feelings Of Others

If you are thinking about adding bathroom signs in your room, it is a good idea to keep in mind that while humor is wonderful, sticking to what is appropriate is best. In other words, it is unwise to display something in your bathroom which your guests or even other family members are likely to find offensive. While you yourself may consider it to be nothing more than personal taste, your grandmother or your boss may disagree.

A good way to go about selecting what you would like to display on your walls is to consider in advance the people who will be using your bathroom. If you have more than one bathroom in your house or apartment, you have much more leeway in how you decide to decorate it than if you have only one which is shared by your entire family and all of your guests. For the latter, tasteful is generally the best way to proceed with any type of decorating themes; and, again, what one person may see as dry or outrageous humor, another may see as being in poor taste.

To Each His Own

If you love the idea of bathroom signs, how can you solve these dilemmas and keep everybody happy? One idea is to keep your mutually-used bathrooms decorated in a tasteful manner in which no one could possibly find any objections; another is to have a separate bathroom where the only appropriateness you will need to consider is your own.

If your sense of humor extends to the truly outrageous, and you want to display it on your bathroom walls, it is a good idea to keep in mind who you will be sharing it with. Or, as a way to both be on the safe side and still express your sense of humor and creativity, you can find bathroom signs that everyone who uses the room will enjoy.

Ernest Jarquio is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Bathrooms-And-Showers.com. He provides more resources on topics such as ion foot bath, corner showers and Premier bathrooms that you can research on his website even while lounging in your living room.

Materials and Practices in High Performance Homes

In my last article I defined High Performance Homes; A High Performance Homes is one that uses sustainable materials, is energy efficient, and uses value added green building practices that causes it to be friendlier to the environment. In the next few articles we will look at some of the materials and practices used to produce the High Performance Home.

The single biggest heat sink or energy robber in a home is the windows. There are several things to consider here. First and foremost is the total square footage of windows. Ive never had someone come to me and say Ronnie build me a home thats dark and doesnt have many windows. Always it goes like this,I want a home that is light and airy. Then of course the buyer covers all of the windows with blinds, shades, shutters, drapes, curtains, or heaven forbid foil and seldom opens them due to excessive heat, cold or allergens in the air.

What should you do when designing or selecting a new home? Be realistic. The more windows, the bigger the windows, the bigger the utility bills. If you can, keep your windows down to 15% or so of the exterior wall square footage. Strategically place them to maximize views and limit the direct exposure to the sun. Keep the windows from facing the East or West this will help tremendously. If the windows can be located under a porch or patio so that it has a large overhang protecting them they will perform much better. Also, a larger Cornish overhang will help protect windows as well as shade the exterior walls.

There is an organization that evaluates windows and scores them as to how you can expect them to perform; giving the consumer a chance to be sure they are getting the best product for their money. It is The National Fenestration Rating Council. They subject windows to testing and prescribe how they must be built to obtain a certain score. The scoring speaks to the ability of the windows to block the transmission of heat and ultraviolet rays.

Look for windows that have a low U-Factor score. This score indicates the windows ability to block heat. A lower score is better. Many builders are using good windows with scores in the .50 range. I like those that are .35 or lower. The next score to look at is Solar Heat Gain. Again many windows are being installed with a score around .50. We install those with a score of .32 or lower. Lower is better here as well. Then, the window coverings mentioned before will add additional protection from heat and ultraviolet penetration.

Let me briefly mention doors. Most doors today are made of steel, fiberglass, wood or glass. Nothing insulates like insulation. Hollow doors like steel or fiberglass can be filled with insulation. Wood is not a particularly good insulator and glass is worse. Generally I prefer steel with fiberglass a close second. These doors dont rot or warp and provide the most security and energy efficiency.

Try to avoid sliding glass doors, after all, what are they but large windows and therefore a big heat sink. And double French doors are hard to keep from leaking heat in or out of your home. If you need that look think of placing a window close to a door or 2 separately cased doors close to each other.

In my next article we will continue to explore best building materials and practices and talk specifically about insulation.

Copyright 2007

Ronnie Godfrey, Certified Graduate Builder
For more information about this article and other energy saving tips, visit our website http://www.RGodfreyHomes.com

Solar Energy Use In Home Design

The sun is a constant source of energy. Everyday it provides us with 5000 times as much energy as the whole world needs. (Unknown)

In the 1950s and '60s efficient energy use was often neglected in constructing buildings and houses, but the high energy prices of the 1970s changed that. Some buildings built in the 80s use only about 20% of the energy used in buildings constructed just ten years earlier. Techniques to save energy include designing and siting buildings to use passive solar heat, avoiding overlighting, and using better insulation. A life-cycle approach, which takes into account the total costs over the entire life of the building, rather than simply the initial construction cost or sales price, is encouraging greater efficiency.

SOLAR ENERGY IN SOUTH AFRICA

Climate
South Africa is one of the areas in the world with the highest count of sunny days per year in the world therefore making it also one of the most appropriate places in the world to use solar power energy should that be the only reason for using them.

A photovoltaic sell uses the suns light to create an electric current and not the heat of the sun as is commonly thought. A photovoltaic sell actually decreases in efficiency when the sell is heated extremely because of the resistance building up in the material. Because of the above fact, one can see that these photovoltaic panels is actually less efficient in very warm climates. South Africa, in summertime, can be extremely hot and could cause a photovoltaic panel on certain summer days to work less efficient although not as significantly as 25% less efficient as it is said can be lost in desert-type climates.

Cost efficiency & economy
Eskom South Africa provides our country with some of the cheapest conventional unsustainable electricity costs in the world, and that is the main reason for Solar Energy technology not taking off in South Africa. Although a number of solar thermal panels is in operation, even in residential buildings in the country, photovoltaic panels was up to date just not cost effective enough to justify the money saved using conventional electricity for manufacturers making them available on a large scale. Because of the uncommonness and unavailability of these panels the prices of theses panels has not significantly decreased in South Africa as it has in other more technologically advanced and environmentally aware countries.

Also, because the electricity has been so inexpensive in SA, the cost of paying off a solar electricity system that provides the same amount (or sufficient amount) of electricity as a conventional system, will take an extremely long time to pay off with the money saved without using conventional electricity, and most home owners in South Africa doesnt stay long enough in one home to justify the cost saving. Another factor is that the technology is becoming more advanced day by day, and one might purchase a system today which will reach the end of its life before the system has paid for itself with money saved from not using conventional electricity is over.

Sustainability & the environment
Eskom might well be one of the cheapest electricity providers in the world, but it is also a fact that eskom releases some of the most pollution in the atmosphere by burning coal to generate electricity. Although air pollution doesnt seem to be that big a problem here than in other countries where acid rain etc. is huge concerns for the community, it would be wise to sooner rather than later start to concentrate on the environment in South Africa and that is when solar power could start playing a big role as an energy provider.

Appropriate for us?
Solar panels can be used very effectively and appropriately in the remote areas around the country because the cost of connecting to the conventional power grid by laying cables might be even more expensive and once a solar PV system is installed one does not need any tools or technicians to maintain a PV panel regularly.

There are a number of places in our environment where solar power could be (and are already) used very effectively for example water pumps to dams in nature reserves. PV panels have also been used to power electric fencing in game reserves very successfully for interruptions in electricity is eliminated and big mammals like elephants has no chance of breaking through a fence as could be the case in an normal power interruption.

In conclusion, the use of solar power in South Africa isnt that far fetched when one look at the very appropriate weather conditions and the need to look at a more sustainable and renewable energy source for the future.

Written by Jere Botes, architect & founder of http://www.dreamhouses.co.za, a website dedicated to provide home builders, home renovators, home owners & developers with free professional advice on all aspects of home design, building & diy. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing to http://www.dreamhouses.co.za

Home Improvement Product - Bargains Galore

Find the right home improvement product for every occasion. If you enjoy adding new things to your home or changing the look and feel you may be one who shops yearly for home improvement products. You will rarely find just the item you need when you need it so it is a wise to pan out your projects ahead of time and begin shopping now.

Plan Ahead and Save Big Bucks

If you have a home that will need several home improvement projects in the future you may want to sit down and put together a long term plan of action and them start shopping or be on the look out for bargain deals for all the home improvement product that you may need to complete the job.

Check with the Local Guy

You can find many bargain deals on home improvement items by checking with local builders and asking them to let you know when they have overstock items. It is very common that builders and contractors will have too much of many items left over from a job. They may be willing to sell you their left over home improvement product for a very good price if the timing is right.

The Big Boys Lose Money Too

You might be surprised to know that many larger retail stores are often selling items well below their cost just to clear it out. Often times when they are faced with too much inventory they will pay stocking penalties and it makes it more advantages for them to unload the inventory at a drastically reduced price to the consumer. If you are lucky enough to find the great home improvement product deals you will find some real bargains for sure.

Find more helpful home improvement tips by visiting http://best-home-improvement-projects.com where you will find helpful home improvement tips, advice and resources including information on easy home improvement projects, kitchen repair and Home Improvement Product.

Bathroom Faucets - Facts To Consider Before Shopping II

Selecting bathroom faucets requires some thought, and the mechanics and installation types of bathroom faucets was covered in my previous article. If you missed it, you should take a minute to read the first article.

Once you have decided whether you need a centerset, widespread, or single hole faucet, and have chosen between compression, cartridge, or a disc type bathroom faucet, there are still some things to consider.

Style Preference in Bathroom Faucets

This is bound to be an easy choice. Most of us seem wired from birth to a preference for one style or another. You know what you are comfortable with whether it is Country, Victorian, French Provincial, Tuscan, or C2233ontemporary. This to some degree will impact the finish you choose, but many of the finishes cross style lines.

Bathroom Faucets-Fit and Finish

There are so many style options in bathroom faucets these days, that it is important to see how they will coordinate and fit with other elements in your bath.

* Consider spout height. Many bathroom faucets are available with longer spouts these days, and the height and reach should be considered. For instance, the height of the spout may make a slight difference in how high you mount your mirror or medicine cabinet above it. Consider splash and make sure you have adequate clearance.

* When thinking about the splash effect, consider the depth of the sink and whether it is up to absorbing the water from the spout without splashing out or up. This is an important consideration especially in a household with children.

Bathroom Faucets and Finishes

* Bathroom faucets are available in shiny finishes. Chrome has long been the overwhelmingly popular choice, but there is polished chrome, polished brass, and French gold, just to name a few. These finishes do require more ongoing care to keep them polished and shiny. They are more likely to show water spots and finger smudges, so just realize that before making a choice.

* Many of today's homeowners prefer the brushed or satin finishes in bathroom faucets. Although stylish and attractive baths are what homeowners want, they prefer to spend more time enjoying them and less time with intensive care and maintenance.

* Satin nickel, matte chrome. brushed bronze, brazen bronze and other of the less shiny bathroom faucet finishes are becoming increasingly popular due to the ease of care they require.

* And of course, many more finishes such as oil rubbed bronze, Venetian bronze, black iron and weathered copper are being made available for great diversity in bathroom faucet finishes. Some of these are considered living finishes, and will change with time and use. They are designed to change, and if you purchase a faucet with a living finish you just need to recognize this as a natural process and be able to live with your choice in later years.

When selecting the style and finish of your bathroom faucet, keep other bathroom elements in mind. Consider how it will look with your countertop, backsplash, lighting etc. By planning and coordinating all the elements in your bathroom carefully, you should be proud of your choice in bathroom faucets for years into the future.

More tips on shopping for bathroom faucets, as well as purchase tips for medicine cabinets.

Log Home Products

Take advantage of these remarkable Log Home Products.

Before you grab your first tool, you should have a good idea of how log cabins are made, how they are assembled and how everything fits together. That's why there are many log cabin DVD sets on the market that show you exactly how a log cabin is built, from clearing the land to putting up your mailbox. Even if you have hired a company to put your log cabin home together for you, this is one useful product that will help to demystify the whole home building process. These DVD sets usually range anywhere from $100 to $200 in price and contain as many as eight separate DVDs.

If you are looking to have your own log cabin home, chances are, you are looking for lighting fixtures that present a certain style and grace. While the average lighting store offers dozens of different styles, you might have to go online to find exactly the style you are looking for. There are dozens of sites online that offer log cabin products such as specialized lighting fixtures that blend in perfectly with the natural appearance of a log cabin home. Don't settle for outdoor lighting fixtures that don't match the dcor you are going for, get the products you want for your beautiful new home.

One set of wood working tools you will need for sure, so you can add any final touches to your beautiful new home all by yourself. From durable chisels and saws to other handheld woodworking tools, making sure you have the right tools for your personal projects is very important. Don't approach the various jobs you have planned for your home with worn out woodworking tools, get the best new tools available for less online.

These are just a handful of the many outstanding log home products available to each and every new log cabin owner out there. The log cabins is the most beautiful, durable and striking style of home in the world; make sure you are ready to turn your new house into a home with the best in log home products this season.

Mountain Home Building Products offers the highest quality Log home products for your Log Cabin.

Wood working tools, solid wood siding, artistic antler castings, hand forged lighting and a complete line of log finishing products that works to clean, preserve, stain, protect and seal your log home.

Visit us at: http://www.mountainhomebuildingproducts.com

Contractor For Home Improvements

Embarking on a home renovation project helps to add up to the value of your home or property. When in the process of hiring a contractor, homeowners are encouraged to check requirements such as the validity of insurance, Workman's Compensation or other, bonding, licenses and other credentials from a prospective renovation contractor.

You also need to check out the references provided, and ask about recently completed projects similar to your own. Verifying out a home improvement contractor's credentials and references before making a decision is important to helping to ensure the contractor you hire would truly be the right one for you. It also helps to protect your investment by making sure a contractor's credentials are updated,to ensure that the home renovation project would be successful.

Never Hire A Contractor Unless You First Read The Contract

Contract requirements with home renovation contractors may vary from state to state. One aspect that is uniform regardless of where you live, is that verbal agreements are worthless should a dispute break out. Therefore, although a contract might not be required by law, do not hire a contractor without first obtaining a contract that outlines the project in specific detail.

The home improvement project contract should be signed by both parties, that is, the project owner and the contractor, or all parties involved if some aspects of the work will be sub-contracted, or services of another service provider professional should be required. A project contract should protect the interests of both the homeowner and the service provider. It should include the following:

- A clear, concise, and complete description of the project, from starting and completion dates.

- The project owner and contractor's name, physical address, mailing address, and phone, as well as the physical address of the project site, the insurance service provider information and the license number of the contractor, if required.

- Terms of payment schedule for the contractor, subcontractor, and suppliers.

- The project quote or estimate.

A Contractor Should Have Adequate Insurance And Other Credentials

A major requirement that every home improvement contractor with employees should have, is the provision of Workers' Compensation, which is a type medical insurance also known as "workers' comp." A sub-contractor hired by the contractor also need to be covered. If the contractor is verified to be uninsured and/or has uninsured employees, then please don't even consider hiring them, or else you could be sued and held monetarily responsible for worker's injuries sustained while on your property.

Also, you need to ensure that the contractor has a sales tax ID number, as this would be a better way to verify a business' existence and see if it is legitimate Take note, however, that a one-man or part-time operations with annual sales below a specific amount may be exempt. Also, make sure the contractor has a valid license or permit if any are required for the type project planned, whether at state or local level, as some counties require that a contractor have a pre-paid contractor's license if they request money prior to completion of work.

Home renovation contractors with employees should also be registered with Workers Compensation. Avoid hiring companies with workers who are not registered with Workers Compensation, or those who are otherwise uninsured. You could be held liable for any accidents and injuries acquired by contractors and workers that happen on your property.

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